NHL 2K9 sticking it to Wii

By Brendan Sinclair, GameSpotPosted Jun 12, 2008 1:17 pm PT

2K Sports announces first licensed hockey game for Nintendo's system, promises Wii Remote stick control and full feature set.

While the NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA, and even the WWE have all seen their professional athletes and entertainers appear on Nintendo's Wii, there is at least one three-letter acronym in the world of sports that has yet to be converted for use with the motion-sensing Wii Remote. 2K Sports today announced that it will bring "the first and only" NHL- and NHLPA-licensed game to the Wii with NHL 2K9.

Already announced for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 2, NHL 2K9 will retain the full feature set of those versions, while adding motion-sensitive controls. 2K Sports has said that players will be able to use the Wii Remote as a virtual hockey stick to mimic a variety of actions, including face-offs and slap shots.

To mark the occasion of the NHL arriving on Nintendo's latest system, Mario will make an appearance on the red carpet at tonight's awards for the 2008 NHL season. The mustachioed plumber is no stranger to hockey fans, as his "Super Mario" moniker has long been the nickname of Pittsburgh Penguins legend Mario Lemieux.

All four versions of the game are being developed by Visual Concepts, and will see release in the fall.

67 Comments

  • Bucharifique

    Posted Jul 15, 2008 10:57 pm PT

    lol Cant wait too see what it looks like!

  • Braxen

    Posted Jun 24, 2008 2:39 pm PT

    wow if they nail the controls it could be really awesome!

  • TheStranger

    Posted Jun 16, 2008 1:53 pm PT

    About time, ive been waiting for hockey on the wii, well sicne i got a wii, it seemed like the most natural sports fit for motion sensing... I prefer EA to 2K but since EA isnt giving me a choice, screw'em...

  • Padrepride

    Posted Jun 16, 2008 10:37 am PT

    YES! But this is the "first and only" nhl game for the wii? Really?

  • Domenico54

    Posted Jun 15, 2008 6:39 pm PT

    WARNING: remember where your wrist band my christmas morning i got a wii AND a new T.V. for a younger siblings stupidity on wii sports. Who knows what a slapshot would do....

  • Otaku-RP-Gamer

    Posted Jun 14, 2008 8:25 pm PT

    What about a DS NHL game?! I want my portable hockey when I go to hockey games!! j/k

  • guilhem_r

    Posted Jun 14, 2008 5:07 pm PT

    Well if it's a port from the PS2 (like Wii games often are), trust me you can be thankful that the Wii's first NHL game comes from 2K: even if that's not be the case anymore on the 360/PS3, last gen 2K blew last gen EA out of the water.

  • KevComesRipping

    Posted Jun 14, 2008 2:48 pm PT

    Urrrghhh I hope EA is taking notice right now, I don't like 2K brand hockey, but I may need to check this out.

  • necronaux

    Posted Jun 14, 2008 9:58 am PT

    I'm sure there will be a hockey stick shaped holder for the remote, to buy seperately. The question is, will there be motion sensing boxing to simulate fights in the game?

  • MrLopezZ

    Posted Jun 14, 2008 9:37 am PT

    Finally NHL for the Wii!!!

  • dAvIdguY349

    Posted Jun 14, 2008 6:53 am PT

    I don't care if this ends up being the worst game on Wii, not saying it will be but for the last 2 years I've been stuck playing NHL 06 and I REALLY need a new NHL game

  • dulun19

    Posted Jun 13, 2008 11:55 pm PT

    yes.. it's an interesting ideal.. but.. after swinging the remote for bout 100 times.. you will find it's not as fun..anymore..anyone here play dynasty warriors on the wii??.. then you will know what i mean..

  • Thug_Life

    Posted Jun 13, 2008 7:08 pm PT

    About time someone is making a hockey game. Of all sports, motion control works best with hockey. Here's hoping EA gets it together and brings 09 to the wii as well

  • bucanero05

    Posted Jun 13, 2008 6:58 pm PT

    I definitely will be looking what's gonna happen whit this game

  • Merl57

    Posted Jun 13, 2008 3:09 pm PT

    cool idea but lacking achievements

  • Chief_Kuuni

    Posted Jun 13, 2008 11:50 am PT

    I'm no hockey fan but if made right, could be a ton of fun

  • KingsofQueens

    Posted Jun 13, 2008 11:17 am PT

    @habstown

    The NHL2K series, for the past couple of years since 2003 (NHL2K3), have always been the BETTER sim hockey game. Before that, with Dreamcast, NHL2K series slowly evolved into the better hockey sim. It wasn't until 08, that EA's NHL 08 have gotten better than 2K8. VG Hockey purists, like brainwashed Madden Football purists, will and always defend EA's sports.....simply because they've been out far too long since around 1989 -1990. EA's last best (or decent) Hockey game was NHL 2000, if memory serves. Before that, it was NHL '94. In between NHL94 and 2000, have been pretty mediorce at best. Between NHL2000 and 2008, the same can be said, although NHL2004 was at the point where things were beginning to get better.

  • IamMyOwnGod

    Posted Jun 13, 2008 11:02 am PT

    @comelstr give it time it took the sharks about 9 years to get in the playoffs. CB time will come. I'm a Pens fan born and raised. This definatly sounds cool. I never thought I'd be playing the Wii more then my 360 or PS3.

  • mhder

    Posted Jun 13, 2008 10:56 am PT

    don't know about the shooting.. except pointing upwards for higher shots etc? I wouldn't want swing to shoot. Face off sounds like a good plan. And maybe switch to wii sports boxing for a fight? I only fear they will do too much and it will be too difficult to play. Sometimes just the few added touches are all you need. Maybe full hands on control for penalty shots might be okay.

  • comelstr

    Posted Jun 13, 2008 10:15 am PT

    I have to get this. Rick Nash is on the cover. Even thought the Blue Jackets never got to the post seasion i always watch them on tv or going to whare they play and watch.

NHL 2K9 Quick Links

Summary | Reviews | News | Previews & Features | Images | Videos | Answers | Hints & Cheats | Forum | Check Prices

Check Prices

GameStop $19.99 SHOP ›
advertisement
NHL 2K9 Boxshot Enlarge the boxshot
NHL 2K9

Game Stats

Full Game Details »Close
Also on

Games you may like…

Users who looked at content for this game also looked at these games.

See More Similar Games
advertisement